Professio Apis Mellifera

2012

October, 2012

Professio Apis Mellifera ("Art of the Honeybee") is a two-person exhibition by Masami Kubo and Julie Harris, created through the perspective of the Department of Integrated Apis Mellifera Developments (DIAMD). Ambitions of the DIAMD are to inform the public about the wisdom and importance of Honeybees, instilling a collective reverence toward them. This exhibition was the culmination of the Rhoda Lubalin Fellowship and included design, drawing, sculpture, and performance.

The exhibition included a hall of fame featuring significant members of the DIAMD throughout its obscure history. The show also had the honor of displaying two original El Lissitzky pieces, on loan from an anonymous donor. The show also featured contemporary poster designs inspired by the DIAMD manifesto, and a kunstkammer of historical artifacts. Guests were welcomed to participate in a traditional initiation ritual that comprised of enacting a “figure 8” honeybee dance, a candle lighting ceremony while reciting the DIAMD manifesto, and culminating in a communion of honeycomb.